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Franco energy giant Total on Thursday signed an eight-year deal with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in Paris that will commence with the 2017 edition of the competition to be hosted by Gabon next January.
CAF did not disclosed how much the deal is worth.
French mobile company Orange were the previous principle sponsors of the Africa Cup and all of CAF’s competitions since 2009 following the end of a four-year deal with MTN of South Africa.
The deal will cover CAF’s principle competitions including the Champions League, Confederation Cup and the African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Total also has the rights to all the men’s junior competitions including the Futal and the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
“This partnership is a major milestone in our ongoing search for additional resources to accelerate African football’s development, bring its governance up to date, upgrade its sports infrastructure and advance its performance globally,” CAF President Issa Hayatou said,
“As a leading multinational in its field, with strong ties to Africa, Total will make a significant contribution to CAF’s initiatives to foster personal and professional growth for young Africans.”
It’s been more than 10 years since our last appointment at Calvin’s Barbershop. Calvin and his longtime crew are still there, but the shop has undergone some major changes. Most noticeably, our once male-dominated sanctuary is now co-ed. The ladies bring their own flavor, drama and gossip to the shop challenging the fellas at every turn. Despite the good times and camaraderie within the shop, the surrounding community has taken a turn for the worse, forcing Calvin and our crew to come together to not only save the shop, but their neighborhood.
PROS
The movie had a huge ensemble cast, which doesn’t always pan out , but in this case they all had good chemistry and worked well together. Non of the characters felt out of place .
Surprising good performance by Nicki minaj . She played an exaggerated version of herself and it came out really well .
It had a touching , thought provoking story-line .
CONS
The ‘battle of the sexes’ discussions went on for too long ,at times feeling more like a public service announcement, and they did not add anything to the overall plot of the movie.
FAVORITE QUOTES
Dante: What them white girls want? They lost? Did you go “awesome”, they like when you go “awesooome!”
Eddie:[referring to Draya] Did she just say fleek? There’s a whole dictionary full of words. There’s a library down the street, you won’t see fleek in there nowhere.
Barbershop Client: Streets is crazy right now. Calvin Palmer: I nearly got robbed the other day. Dante: I got robbed twice and got beat up by the second robber for giving all my money to the first.
CONCLUSION
BarberShop: The Next Cut brings back all the humor and antics from the previous films , but adds a more serious element to it. It was nice to see them tackle a topical issue , the gun violence in America , while still being able to deliver a hilarious movie . Ice Cube and Cedric the Entertainer put up excellent performances as Calvin Palmer, Jr. and Eddie respectively . Other strong performances came from Common (Rashad) and Eve (Terri).
The issue of gangs and gun violence in the city of Chicago , where the film is based, was given the seriousness it deserved. It showed cause/effect and gave possible solutions .
Barbershop: The Next Cut is the rare belated sequel that more than lives up to the standard set by its predecessors.
The Times of Zambia, one of the most respected newspapers in the country is “spot on” in describing Mr Hakainde Hichilema the UPND leader “as a complex and desperate man” who will stop at nothing to force himself into State House.
The newspaper deserves kudos for doing the public a great service by giving timely advice on the character of Mr Hichilema ahead of the August polls in a well-articulated editorial comment of 20th July edition which deserves a re-read.
The newspaper said Hichilema is quickly becoming a “serial loser” whose propensity for violence is immense as he threatens any perceived enemy from policemen he calls “morons” to ruling PF sympathisers he wants to crash.
The newspaper said and we agree entirely: “Mr Hichilema is a complex man who has never been consistent and is a very difficult person to classify but nevertheless can be described in two words—arrogant and desperate.
When a public institution classifies you as “arrogant and desperate” you have to conduct a deep introspection and do two things Mr Hichilema, quit and cut loses or prepare for yet another humiliating defeat.
We think the newspaper went out of its way to make this informed characterisation looking at the fact that Mr Hichilema calls Policemen and other public workers morons and other unprintable terms Mr Hichilema has continued to call ordinary Zambians he seeks to govern.
The newspaper reckons Mr Hichilema’s arrogance comes from a rare case of “megalomania” which makes him think he is the Alfa and Omega to Zambia’s economic challenges. He believes no one else has the ability to comprehend economic matters except himself. That is a fallacy and Times of Zambia is correct in calling Mr Hichilema’s bluff.
The newspaper in reference to Hichilema said he believes that, “HH ngatalipo bonse aba ni bangwela” which means loosely translated that HH is the only best thing in Zambia, everybody else is trash in his eyes.
The Times of Zambia also takes a swipe at Hichilema’s number two Geoffrey Mwamba saying: “if he (Hichilema) had a sober lieutenant maybe he could have been counselled to behave like a gentleman he purports to be but Nay.
“His second in command is the foul mouthed Geoffrey Mwamba (GBM)” who has recently unleashed heaps of unpalatables at the Zambia Airforce (ZAF) for allegedly failing in their national duty.”
Our conclusion is that GBM hates the ZAF and rebukes them for doing their job very well while his arrogant boss Mr Hichilema calls the police “MORONS.” We wonder how he expects to get votes from these gallant officers that risk their lives every day to protect us. You can’t seek to be authoritative and yet scoff at authority yourself.
The Times of Zambia concludes and we agree that Mr Hichilema is a drowning man basically latching on a straw. How else can you explain his “charging like a wounded buffalo daring authorities in a bit to get into power by ANY means necessary including telling of security personnel.”
We urge Zambians to look up the scathing but educative editorial comment bravo Times of Zambia.
Lastly, we find it extremely irresponsible for Mr. Hichilema to continue issuing highly inflammatory statements bordering on causing mayhem and making Zambia ungovernable should he lose the coming elections.
This falls way below anyone who seeks public office and we are calling on the international community to call Mr. Hichilema to order. He must be reminded that when late President Michael Sata lost in 2006 and 2008, he openly directed his supporters not to engage in any violent attacks and called for calm.
This was because President Sata cherished peace. That is the true stature of a statesman! In the same vein, President Lungu has made it crystal clear that he is going to respect the will of the people. It is clear that Mr. Hichilema has the guts to calculatedly dare law enforcement agencies in order to ‘play the victim’ before the international community should he be found wanting. Mr. Hichilema and his Presidential ambitions are not worth shedding the blood for or indeed dying for. He is already creating grounds for crying out the loudest after he loses on 11th August 2016. We challenge him to commit to accepting the verdict of the people!
This is because Vox Populi, Vox Dei – “the voice of the people is the voice of God.” It does not matter what threats come from Mr. Hichilema, the people’s will shall prevail!
President Edgar Lungu with Army Commader Lt Gen Paul Miyova at the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the Construction of Kala Marine Barracks in Kawambwa on 20th July 2016- Picture by Eddie Mwanaleza
President Edgar Lungu says the PF government is determined to provide good housing units to men and women in uniform.
The head of state said this in Kawambwa today when he officiated at the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the first ever Kala Marine Barracks.
President Lungu said government is working at providing decent accommodation for the security personnel.
In another development, President Lungu has directed the Road Development
Agency -RDA- to consider tarring the Kawambwa -Nchelenge road to ease transport problems for marine officers.
Earlier, Deputy Minister of Defence, Christopher Mulenga revealed that in the first phase, the Israelis’ Ashtrom construction company will construct 1,200 houses for marine soldiers at the barracks.
And Speaking at Kasama Airport before departure , President Lungu says the opposition United Party for National Development -UPND- is perpetuating political violence in the country with a view to have next month’s General Election postponed.
The President said it is clear that the opposition does not mean well for the country.
President Lungu said UPND has sensed defeat in the General Election and want to do anything to force the postponement of the polls.
The President however stated that schemes by the opposition party to disrupt the electoral process will not work because Zambians are ready to take part in the general election.
President Lungu has since urged Zambians to reject politicians who want to get into power using violent means.
Meanwhile, President Lungu has described his six day official visit to Northern Province a success.
48 Marine Unit Commandos at KalaPresident Lungu inspects a guard of Honour on arrival in Kawambwa for the ground Breaking. Ceremony for the construction of Kala Marine Barracks in.Luapula on July 20,2016-Picture by THOMAS NSAMAPresident Edgar Lungu with Army Commader Lt Gen Paul Miyova and Lt Col Augustine Chirwa 48 Marine Unit Commander at the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the Costruction of Kala Marine Barracks in Kawambwa on 20th July 2016- Picture by Eddie MwanalezaPresident Lungu during the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of Kala Marine Barracks in Kawambwa on July 20,201-Picture by THOMAS NSAMAPresident Lungu and First Lady during the ground breaking Ceremony for the construction of Kala Marine Barracks in Kawambwa on July 20,2016-Picture by THOMAS NSAMAPresident Lungu during the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of Kala Marine Barracks in Kawambwa on July 20,201-Picture by THOMAS NSAMAPresident Lungu during the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of Kala Marine Barracks in Kawambwa on July 20,201-Picture by THOMAS NSAMAPresident Edgar Lungu with Lt Col Augustine Chirwa 48 Marine Unit Commander at the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the Costruction of Kala Marine Barracks in Kawambwa on 20th July 2016- Picture by Eddie MwanalezaAshtrom Group of Isreal is doing the Construction og the 48 Marine Unit in KawambwaPresident Edgar Lungu with Army Commader Lt Gen Paul Miyova at the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the Construction of Kala Marine Barracks in Kawambwa on 20th July 2016- Picture by Eddie MwanalezaPresident Edgar Lungu with Army Commader Lt Gen Paul Miyova and Lt Col Augustine Chirwa 48 Marine Unit Commander at the Ground Breaking Ceremony for the Costruction of Kala Marine Barracks in Kawambwa on 20th July 2016- Picture by Eddie Mwanaleza
The template of the presidential ballot paper for the August 11, 2016 elections
The printing of ballot papers for all levels of Zambia’s August 11, 2016 general elections has been completed in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E) in the Middle East.
And the nine political parties being represented here are satisfied with the whole printing process that has been going on since July 5th July, 2016.
Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) Senior Public Relations Officer Sylvia Bwalya announced that all ballot papers have since been printed successfully adding that only the packaging of the national assembly and local government ballot papers was still on-going.
“I am glad to inform you that we have completed the printing of ballot papers and I must say that this is a major milestone in the timeline of the printing process,” Ms. Bwalya told team Zambia at the Al Ghurair Printing and Publishing Company in Dubai today.
She said the presidential, referendum, mayoral, local government and national assembly ballot papers have all been printed.
She further said packing for all ballot papers has also been completed except for national assembly and local government papers.
Ms. Bwalya said the ECZ will this week announce the freight programme for the delivery of ballot papers to Lusaka.
And Al Ghurair Printing and Publishing Company General Manager Lakshmanan Ganapathy said the packaging for all ballot papers will be completed on Saturday this week.
He said thereafter, the company will start weighing pallets where ballot paper boxes are packed to determine the actual tonnage of the consignment.
There will be a total of 340 pallets weighing approximately 190 tonnes.
Meanwhile, the nine political parties monitoring the printing of the ballot papers here in Dubai have described the process as incident free.
United Party for National Development (UPND) representative, Jones Mulunga, said all the suggestions that the political parties raised during the printing process were satisfactorily addressed by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) and the Al Ghurair Printing and Publishing Company.
Mr. Mulunga, who spoke on behalf of eight other political parties, said the process satisfied all stakeholders.
“The impressions so far are that there have not been any major incidences here. Any issues, observations and suggestions that we have given, the ECZ and the company (Al Ghurair Printing and Publishing Company) have been able to clarify for the satisfaction of everyone else,” Mr. Mulunga said.
He added that, “hopefully we shall get through this process without any issues here. I think it has been good”.
And United People’s Progressive (UPP) party representative, Mwansa Malila, said she was impressed with the way the printing process has been until its completion.
Meanwhile, ECZ Commissioner David Matongo said all stakeholders in the electoral process should ensure that speculations and unwarranted perceptions are reduced even in the heat of the elections.
Mr. Matongo said political parties should exercise temperance in their activities in order to have a credible election.
He further advised that there should be magnanimity in winning and no defiance in losing describing this as the greatest kind of leadership.
The UPND, UPP, Patriotic Front (PF), Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD), United National Independence Party (UNIP), Democratic Assembly (DA), People’s Alliance for Change (PAC), Rainbow and the Green party have all fielded presidential candidates in this year’s elections.
All the nine political parties have therefore been represented during
the printing process here in Dubai.
Other agencies in ‘team Zambia’ in Dubai are the Zambia Police, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) representing the Church, Islamic Supreme Council of Zambia (ISCZ) representing faith-based organisations, and the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD).
The ballot papers are expected to be delivered to Zambia before July 30th, 2016.
Government says it has prioritised economic diversification as one measure of increasing revenue generation and reduce the country’s vulnerability to external shocks.
Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Margaret Mwanakatwe said value addition to the country’s abundant natural resources for both domestic and export market is at the core of economic diversification.
“Zambia has prioritised economic diversification away from mining in order to increase revenue generation and reduce the country’s vulnerability to external shocks which is triggered by shifts in the performance of global commodity prices”, Mrs. Mwanakatwe said.
She cited agricultural and agro processing value addition as one of government’s priority areas to maximise the potential and generate more income, create jobs and enhance rural industrialisation.
ZANIS reports that the Minister was speaking in Lusaka today when she launched the US$30 million worth “Skills Development and Entrepreneurship Project-Supporting Women and Youth (SDEP-SWY)” funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB).
The US$30 million project will be implemented by the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC).
Mrs. Mwanakatwe thanked the AfDB for supporting government projects aimed at creating wealth and employment opportunities for the Zambian people especially for women and youths.
She disclosed that the project will create a total of 17,000 employment opportunities for youths and women while 4, 000 sustainable jobs will also be created for Micro Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (MSME)
Mrs. Mwanakatwe further urged the CEEC and all stakeholders to put efforts together to ensure that the project achieves its intended objective.
And AfDB Country Representative Damoni Kitabire said his Bank remains committed to supporting government initiatives aimed at improving entrepreneurship skills among women and youths in the country.
Mr. Kitabire further said the project will support the improvement of competiveness and bridge the entrepreneurial skills gap among women and youths and further promote export diversification.
Meanwhile, CEEC Board Chairperson Kasuka Mutuku said the commission has put relevant structures to ensure that the project is prudently implemented in line with the commission’s corporate governance
Dr. Mutuku expressed happiness that the project will facilitate the participation of more women and youths in the country’s social and economic development.
Nkana creative midfielder Jacob Ngulube is seeking another Chipolopolo call-up ahead of the final 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying stage.
Ngulube made his Zambia debut at the recent COSAFA Cup in Namibia.
The ex-Mufulira Wanderers play-maker is pledging to work hard to earn a place in the Zambia team that will compete in Group B of the World Cup qualifiers that starts in October.
“I am happy to have played for the national team. I want to continue working hard so that I am selected for the World Cup qualifiers,” Ngulube said.
Zambia is playing against Algeria, Cameroon and Nigeria in Group B.
Ngulube has become an integral part of Nkana since coming to Wusakile from Mufulira Wanderers at the start of the season.
“I am happy to be playing for Nkana. What I expected is what I have found. At least I have game time and the guys (players) have been supporting me,” he said.
The Damiano Academy product has scored four goals in the current FAZ Super Division campaign for second placed Nkana.
The Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC) has called on all Zambians who have registered as voters to turn up in big numbers up and cast their votes on the August 11, 2016 general elections.
ZEC said voting is not only a right but also a duty to the country to help identify and put in place credible people who will make the state function in the promotion of the common good.
The Church Mother Body has also urged Zambians to never get tired of voting as apathy will only give greater chance to opportunists to win the elections.
ZEC has also urged Zambians to take interest in the on-going countrywide voter education being conducted Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and other stakeholders.
ZANIS reports that this is contained in the Pastoral Letter issued in Lusaka and signed by all the 14 Catholic Bishops of Zambia.
And ZEC says it is deeply saddened by the increasing number of cases of political violence in the run-up to the August 11, 2016 general elections.
ZEC has since called on the Zambia Police to perform their duties of maintaining law and order professionally and effectively without undue pressure from any partisan influence.
On the other hand, the Catholic Bishops have urged both the public and private media to adhere to the principle and ethics of fairness and truth in their political coverage.
The Catholic Bishops also urged all the politicians across the political divide to make every effort in ensuring an effective way of cadre management and to immediately tone down their confrontational rhetoric.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishops said the Catholic Church will not support or prop up a particular political party or candidate saying that is the free choice it has always left to its flock.
The Catholic Bishops maintained that the Church will continue to embrace members from diverse political persuasions and will jealously protect their freedom of association.
The Catholic Bishops however stated that based on their Christian principles, the Church can however provide guidance that could help its members to make informed choices among the many candidates and political parties that present themselves for elections.
Mpezeni IV delivering his speech
Paramount Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni and Chief Chanje of the Chewa peoples in Chipata have endorsed the candidature of President Edgar Lungu in this year’s general elections slated for next month.
Chief Mpezeni said everybody should rally behind the Patriotic Front (PF) and President Edgar Lungu because of the massive development that has been undertaken in the last five years.
He said his endorsement of President Lungu and the PF should not be mistaken to be tribal but that it was just practical that the ruling party should be given another mandate to continue its development agenda.
Speaking when Eastern Province Coordinator of President Lungu’s special campaign team, Lameck Mangani, paid a courtesy call on him in Chipata today, Chief Mpezeni noted that President Lungu was like a new vehicle which did not require servicing a few days after it was bought, adding that he needed to be given more time to continue with his developmental programmes of the country.
“We are able to see developmental activities all over and there is no need to start changing governments just for the sake of changing. We should give the PF and President Lungu more time to develop this country,’’ he said.
And Chief Chanje assured Mr Mangani of President Lungu’s victory and urged the ruling party not to get worried because people in Chipangali Constituency were behind the ruling party.
Chief Chanje also told Mr Mangani during a courtesy call paid on him that the message on the referendum was well received and people were ready to vote ‘yes’.
Meanwhile Mr Mangani appealed to the two traditional leaders to help disseminate information to their subjects about the importance of voting in an election.
He said if the PF was to have an outright win of the 50 per cent plus one vote in the first round, there was need for people to turn up in numbers and cast their votes.
Zambia goes to the polls on August 11 to elect a President, Members of Parliament, civic leaders and also vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on the Bill of Rights in the referendum.
Minister of Works and Supply Yafwa Mukanga shows the Training Manual whilst Permanent Secretary Local Government Amos Mulupenga looks on shortly after the launch of the manual at Golden Peacock
Government says the belief that foreign contractors execute projects better than indigenous ones have disadvantaged local contractors who have been confined to being subcontractors.
Minister of Works and Supply Yamfwa Mukanga said government through relevant agencies is working to dispel the belief because local contractors are able to execute projects better than foreigners.
He observed that local contractors understand the country’s socio-economic background a lot better than foreign contractors.
The Minister was speaking at the 7th combined graduation ceremony for the National Council for Construction School held in Lusaka today.
Two hundred and thirty (230) students graduated in various types of skills that range from basic land surveying, building works supervision, earth moving operator courses and road construction maintenance supervision among others.
Mr. Mukanga said the graduation of 230 students is testimony of the determination of government through NCC to realise the objective of enhancing skills for local participation in sustainable infrastructure development and job creation.
And NCC Executive Director Charles Mushota appealed to government to consider establishing a construction bank that can help build the capacity of local constructors most of whom he noted have no capability to execute projects because of lack of resources.
Mr. Mushota commended government through the National Road Fund Agency for financial support towards the school’s programmes and the road development agency for allowing students to use their site for practical lessons.
United Party for National Development (UPND) President Hakainde Hichilema has said that President Edgar Lungu’s stance on Development is unacceptable.
In a statement reacting to President Lungu’s remarks that the PF government will prioritise development in areas where it will amass good votes if re-elected into office, The UPND Leader said that President Lungu’s message is divisive
Below is the full statement
OFFICIAL STATEMENT
Lungu’s Stance On Development Unacceptable
President Edgar Lungu has once again shown his hypocrisy and ignorance on many issues, especially the true spirit of One Zambia One Nation.
Reports from his tours of the country show that he continues to preach divisive sentiments, proposing to only develop areas that vote for him and to ignore those that vote for the opposition.
This reveals a lack of understanding and respect of multi-party democracy. Coming from a sitting head of state such statements can even be read as an attempt to blackmail voters.
Moreover, President Lungu should note that it is exactly this sort of attitude and behaviour that undermines our prospects for peace and unity as a nation.
President Lungu has clearly failed to learn that citizens have a democratic right to vote for a leader of their choice, and that once elected that President must represent each and every citizen.
Development projects must be spread across the country and be rolled-out as part of a wider plan of how to achieve the party’s vision, which in the case of the UPND is a united, prosperous and equitable Zambia.
Given the approach the PF is proposing of only developing select areas at the expense of others we can only suppose that their vision is simply more power and personal wealth for its top officials.
Lungu’s stance also confirms why some areas and constituencies in the country have to date been neglected and not received fair attention, for example through the release of Constituency Development Funds.
Clearly this is precisely the sort of challenge that has caused President Lungu to run away from the proposal of a head-to-head live TV debate ahead of 11th August.
Finalists for the prestigious CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2016 Competition were announced on Monday, 18th July, 2016, with no Zambian Journalist making it to the list.
The finalists were announced by Ferial Haffajee, Chair of the independent judging panel.
Haffajee said this year; the competition received 1637 entries – a record number – from 38 countries across the continent, including French and Portuguese-speaking Africa.
Nigeria and South African journalists have dominated the list.
Tony Maddox, Executive Vice-President and Managing Director of CNN International said: “This year has seen a record number of entries for the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards, from a diverse array of countries across the continent.”
He said the passion which African journalists display for telling compelling and top class stories knows no bounds.
Greg Beitchman, Vice President, Content Sales and Partnerships, CNN International: “The African Journalist Awards continues to maintain its place as the most prestigious Pan African journalist competition.”
He said with their MultiChoice partners, they look forward to yet another thrilling Awards ceremony celebrating the very best journalism Africa has to offer.
Mark Rayner, CEO MultiChoice South Africa said: “We’re excited to host the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist of the Year Awards in South Africa this year and looking forward to see all the good work done by our journalists celebrated and recognised through these awards”.
Tim Jacobs, CEO MultiChoice Africa, said: “It is evident from this year’s entries that Africa has a vibrant media landscape which continues to develop in leaps and bounds”.
The finalists are to be applauded for their courage in covering some of the stories, many of which were in difficult circumstances. “We are committed to increasing excellence in journalism and this initiative is close to our hearts, as it has helped unearth some of Africa’s greatest story tellers”, Jacobs said.
Former Southern Province Minister Daniel Munkombwe(holding microphone) counsels UPND Livingstone parliamentary candidate Mathews Jere(left in red hat) during a rally to drum up support for UPND Presidential,parliamentary and local Government candidates at Mahululu clinic in Livingstone
Former provincial minister Daniel Munkombwe has been on the campaign trail for United Party for National Development (UPND) in Southern Province. Mr Munkombwe, who paraded before the public UPND parliamentary candidate Mathews Jere and mayoral candidate Eugene Mapuwo, urged them not to shun the electorates once voted into office.
“The people that you see in front of you are your employers and your masters, always never forget and abandon them because if you do, I’ll be the first one to denounce you and ask them to chuck you out of the office,” he said.
And UPND chairperson for elections Ackson Sejani, has urged people of Kasiya ward in Livingstone constituency to vote for leaders who champion peace and national unity during the 11 August general elections.
Mr Sejani said the people of Livingstone constituency should go out in large numbers and vote for continuity of peace and development.
He was speaking at Mahululu clinic in Livingstone on Monday when he addressed a rally to drum up support for UPND presidential, parliamentary and local Government candidates.
Mr Sejani was accompanied by former Southern Province minister Daniel Munkombwe, former Livestock and fisheries deputy minister Lackson Kazabu and Chisekesi farmer and businessman Michael Couvaras
He said the people of Zambia had a lot of trust in the UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema and were more than ready to give him the mandate of running the affairs of the country.
“That time to cast the vote has come, people must move in masses to go and cast their vote and this time around HH will carry the day. If you want to see development that you have been yearning for, then you know the right party to vote for because you know the people with a
vision,”Mr Sejani said.
He said Zambians had a chance this year to wage a second war of liberation because they have been deprived of good leadership and development.
Chisekesi farmer and businessman Michael Couvaras dancing with UPND supporters during a rally to drum up support for UPND Presidential,parliamentary and local Government candidates atMahululu clinic in LivingstoneFormer Southern Province Minister Daniel Munkombwe(holding microphone) counsels UPND Livingstone parliamentary candidate Mathews Jere(left in red hat) and mayoral candidate Eugene Mapuwo( seated third from left) during a rally to drum up support for UPND Presidential,parliamentary and local Government candidate at Mahululu clinic in Livingstone
Mbesuma unveiled
Veteran striker Collins Mbesuma turned down over five clubs in favour of newly promoted Highlands Park.
Mbesuma, who has signed a three-year contract, was one of 12 players unveiled by the ambitious club in Kempton Park yesterday.
Bloemfontein Celtic were serious about having the striker on their books, but the Zambian wanted to settle in Johannesburg with his family, which is why he chose to sign for Highlands.
Mbesuma requested to be released by Mpumalanga Black Aces after the owners – brothers Mario and George Marfou – sold the club’s status to John Comitis, who then renamed it Cape Town City after their relocation to the Mother City.
Mbesuma will add valuable experience up front, as Highlands desperately need a sharpshooter.
Last season, defender Jermaine Christian was Highlands’ top scorer with eight goals. “They [Celtic] spoke to me, but I also have to put my family first. I have to stay in Joburg. I have been moving around for too long, so I just want to settle in Joburg,” Mbesuma said.
“I had some issues at Aces. It had nothing to do with football, but I asked them if I can be a free agent. I have signed for three years here. I had a long chat with the bosses before I signed.
“They went through the history of the team and I was happy. That’s why I chose to join them.”
He added: “There were maybe six or seven [clubs interested in his services]. There were teams in the PSL and I had some offers outside. But I want to remain in the PSL.”
Not long after he was unveiled, Mbesuma said he would be targeting the top goal-scorer award after winning it for the second time in his career last season.
He finished the season on 14 goals, a far cry from the 25 he scored at Kaizer Chiefs to win the top scorer award in 2004/2005.
“As a striker I want to win the top goal-scorer [award] every season. I hope I can continue where I left off and hold on to my top scorer award. I like challenges. I will work extra hard and work for the team. It’s not only about scoring, sometimes I have to create. I still have more years to play. I am only 32.”
ZDA Director General Patrick Chisanga
The Zambia Development Agency says it has recorded increased investments pledges for the first half of 2016 indicating a positive trend in the number of investments compared to the same period in 2015.
ZDA Director General Patrick Chisanga however, there has been a decrease in the number of pledged employment in the same period.
During the period January to June 2016, a total of 1.8 USD Billion investment pledges were recorded by the ZDA in different sectors of the economy.
This represents an increase of 20% compared with the 1.5 USD Billion investment pledges recorded in the first half of 2015.
“The period under review the Energy sector registered the highest amount of pledged investments, followed by the Agriculture and the Manufacturing sectors. In terms of jobs, a total of 7, 433 jobs were pledged compared to 10, 558 jobs
The increase in the pledged investments could be attributed to sustained investor confidence and the conducive business environment as demonstrated by an increased number of high level international business activities that have been undertaken in the first half of 2016.
Among these high level business activities, are the Zambia International Investment Forum, which is a flagship forum hosted by the Agency that attracts both local and international investors as well as the Zambia International Energy Conference and the African Development Bank Annual Meetings that took place in Lusaka in the period under review.
Additionally, the Agency in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry organised targeted business forums in France and Saudi Arabia where existing investment opportunities where presented to prospective investors.
Another significant development is the strong performance of the Kwacha in 2016, outshining gold and 150 other currencies and precious metals as copper prices recovered on the world market. The currency has benefited with the increase in metal prices, increased mining investments and an enhanced investor friendly climate.
